kids encyclopedia robot

Lullay, mine liking facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
SouthNewington StPeterAdVincula Madonna&Child
Madonna and Child in a 14th century wall painting, Oxfordshire.

"Lullay, mine liking" is a very old English poem or song from the 1400s. It tells a story about the birth of Jesus and includes a special song sung by the Virgin Mary to baby Jesus. This song is an early example of what we now call a lullaby. The word "lullaby" might come from the "lu lu" or "la la" sounds parents make to calm babies, combined with "by" or "bye bye."

This poem is one of the most famous old English lullabies about the birth of Jesus. No one knows who wrote it. The only copy of the text is found in a collection of old poems called the Sloane Manuscript 2593. This important book is kept safe at the British Library.

Even though "Lullay, mine liking" was meant to be sung, we don't have any of its original music. But since it was rediscovered, many modern composers have created new music for it. Some of these composers include Philip Stopford, Edgar Pettman, Peter Warlock, R. R. Terry, Gustav Holst, Ronald Corp, David Willcocks, Philip Lawson, Alan Spedding, and Richard Rodney Bennett.

Sometimes, this carol is called "I saw a fair maiden." Other times, like in versions by R.R. Terry and Ronald Corp, it's known as "Myn Lyking."

The Poem's Words

The poem "Lullay, mine liking" was written in Middle English. This was the language spoken in England between the 11th and 15th centuries. It's different from the English we speak today. Below, you can see the original Middle English words, a slightly updated Middle English version, and what the poem means in modern English.

Original Middle English Slightly Updated Middle English Modern English Meaning
Refrain

Lullay, myn lykyng, my dere sone, myn swetyng,
Lullay, my dere herte, myn owyn dere derlyng.

Refrain
Lullay, mine Liking, my dere sone, mine sweting,
Lullay, my dere herte, mine own dere derling.

Refrain
Lullay, my delight, my dear Son, my darling,
Lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling.

I saw a fayr maydyn syttyn and synge,
Sche lullyd a lytyl chyld, a swete lordyng,
Refrain

I saw a fair maiden, sitten and singe,
Sche lulled a litel child, a swete lording.
Refrain

I saw a fair maiden, sitting and singing,
She lulled a little child, a sweet lord:
Refrain

That eche lord is that that made alle thinge,
Of alle lordis he is lord, of alle kynges kyng.
Refrain<

That eche lord is that that made alle thinge;
Of alle lordes he is Lord, of alle Kinges king.
Refrain<

That very lord is He who made all things;
Of all lords He is Lord, and King of all kings.
Refrain

Ther was mekyl melody at that chyldes berthe,
Alle tho wern in hevene blys thei made mekyl merthe,
Refrain

There was mekel melody at that childes berthe;
Alle tho wern in hevene bliss, they made mekel merthe.
Refrain

There was much melody at that Child's birth;
All who were in heaven's bliss, they made much joy.
Refrain

Aungelebryt thei song that nyt and seydyn to that chyld,
"Blyssid be thou, and so be sche that is bothe mek and myld".
Refrain

Aungele bright they song that night, and seiden to that child,
"Blessed be thou, and so be sche that is bothe meke and mild."
Refrain

Bright angels sang that night and said to that Child,
"Blessed be You, and so be she who is both gentle and kind."
Refrain

Prey we now to that chyld, and to his moder dere,
Grawnt hem his blyssyng that now makyn chere.
Refrain

Prey we now to that child, and to his moder dere,
Graunt hem his blessing that now maken chere.
Refrain<

Let us pray now to that Child, and to His dear mother,
Grant them His blessing who now make cheer (celebrate).
Refrain<
kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Lullay, mine liking Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.